What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Louisiana? 2025

Even if two people are in the same car accident, they could both walk away with dramatically different settlement amounts. However, the average car accident settlement in Louisiana can help you get a baseline. Insurance companies can be tough to deal with when trying to receive compensation. That’s why working with a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer can give you better odds of success.

How Are Average Settlements Calculated?

The value of a car accident claim is not arbitrarily assigned. Each case relies on several factors to come to a concrete figure. Some of the most important factors include:

• Medical costs. In general, settlements for things including bodily injury are worth more than those that are just for property damage. In 2022, the average amount for a claim that included bodily injury was $26,501. To receive compensation for injuries, they have to be linked to the accident with medical records.
• Lost wages. Losing income because of injuries related to the accident can also affect the settlement amount. If you can’t work for months because you’re recovering from a serious accident, this could add more money to a settlement. These claims also require evidence, like pay stubs.
• Fault and liability. Louisiana is a comparative fault state. This means that if you were somewhat to blame for the accident, you could receive less money. It’s important to work with legal professionals to defend yourself so that people don’t try to claim that you are more at fault than you are.
• Insurance caps. Louisiana requires drivers to purchase a minimum amount of insurance. This amount usually includes $15,000 for the injuries or death of a single person and $25,000 for property damage. If damages exceed that amount, they might not be granted if a person did not pay for that coverage in their policy. Given that Louisiana is the least affordable state for auto insurance, this might become an issue.
• Non-economic losses. You can’t get a receipt for the pain or stress an accident has caused, but you can prove it in other ways. An attorney can work with economists and other professionals to put a dollar amount on these situations.

Louisianans spent $1,558 annually on auto insurance in 2022, second only to Florida. If you’re spending that much on auto insurance, you should try to receive as much money as possible if you end up needing it.

How Does Louisiana’s Fault System Work?

Louisiana’s system is known as pure comparative fault. This means that it doesn’t matter who was involved or who was filing the claim. It does not even take into account whether or not someone can pay. It simply splits fault between everyone involved by a percentage amount.

For example, if a speeding driver runs a red light, they might run into a driver at an intersection. The other driver at the intersection might have been distracted and moved forward without looking out for stray cars, which caused the crash. In this situation, both drivers would be considered to be somewhat at fault for the accident.

Even though this can lead to fairness, it can also lead to more arguing. Everyone involved is trying to limit the amount of fault as much as possible. Working with a Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights and avoid taking on more blame than necessary. The most efficient way to assign fault is to have evidence like video footage and police reports.

In the end, the more blame someone carries, the more the net settlement amount will be reduced. Assigning fault isn’t always straightforward—many crashes happen because drivers make risky choices that lead to accidents, even if they don’t realize it in the moment. The comparative fault affects the value of a car accident settlement, so if there were multiple people involved, speaking to an attorney can help you keep as much value as possible.

Timelines and Delays

Many people become frustrated at how long their car accident settlement case is taking. Some simple cases are finished in a matter of weeks, but most take months at least. It might also work out in your favor to delay settling if your injuries are severe. Some injuries aren’t fully known until significantly after the claim is filed.

Delays can come from lots of different parties. Courts can make the process move even slower, which is why most people try to settle before having to go to court. These delays are common and can vary based on many factors, but knowing how the settlement process usually works in Louisiana can help you better prepare.

FAQs About Baton Rouge,LA Car Accident Settlements

Do Medical Bills Affect a Car Accident Settlement Amount?

Medical bills do affect a car accident settlement amount. They can be a good indicator of how expensive and serious the injuries were to the victim. They don’t just include the hospital visit. Medical bills also include outpatient care and rehabilitation costs. This figure does not guarantee that the settlement amount will be higher, but it can support a thorough claim.

How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in Louisiana?

Pain and suffering are calculated in Louisiana without a structured order or formula. It’s up to the individual or insurance adjuster to figure this out. Sometimes they use what’s called a multiplier method and multiply medical costs depending on how severe the injury was. Generally, the more an injury changes someone’s life, the greater the damages in pain and suffering can be.

How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements in Louisiana?

Most car accident settlements in Louisiana are around $5,000-$10,000. However, most injuries are not completely debilitating. Many people experience sprains or damage that can heal in time, leading to a lower payout. The few who receive larger payouts usually experience things like broken bones or need excessive amounts of recovery time—some of those real-life settlement outcomes in Louisiana show just how much a strong claim can impact the final amount. Just because there’s an average settlement amount doesn’t mean it applies to every situation.

Are Settlements in Louisiana Usually Higher or Lower Than in Other States?

Settlements in Louisiana are usually lower than in other states with higher costs of living. Residents of larger states like California or New York might expect higher payouts because of the increased medical costs or wages. Louisiana law also has damage caps depending on where the accident happened or who is to blame. This can push down the value.

Take Your Case Into Your Hands

Even if there are average settlement amounts for victims of a car accident, this does not mean you will receive that amount by default. Every case is different. Contacting The Lucky Law Firm, PLC, can help your settlement amount match the damages done to you. Contact us Today!